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Saturday, February 20th, 2010
More bills are starting to make their way out of committee and onto the House floor for debate. This week was filled with much debate and frustration. We were on the floor for many hours each day listening to why we needed to change the date of the Primary Election (S.117), why the state needed to establish a river corridor management program within the Agency of Natural Resources (H.763) and to implement an act relating to challenges for changing the way State Government delivers its services to its citizens (S.286). In my opinion, each of these bills in their current form do very little good for the average Vermont taxpayer. I voted against each of these bills and feel strongly that they are bad for you and Vermont.
Moving up the date of the primary election in which only eleven percent of the population votes is silly and a huge waste of tax payers dollars. The bill passed on a totally partisan vote and will take effect this election cycle. I have been told that this is the first time in Vermont History that an election law change made by the legislature has taken effect in the same election cycle. Changing the date of the primary election as this bill does, increases the amount of time between the primary and general election dates. Thus giving the winning candidate of the primary election more time to prepare for the general election. I find it quite ironic that this bill became a legislative priority when there are many more pressing issues facing the State. Although, it might have something to do with the fact that there are five candidates from one party running for Governor this year. Three of these candidates are current legislators serving as high ranking members of the majority party and the other two candidates are well known members of that same party. Possibly a little political maneuvering of the election laws to help out one's campaign for Governor.
The river corridor management bill (H.763) does nothing but codify what the Agency of Natural Resources is already doing. However, many members of the legislature are very concerned that this do nothing bill will become a vehicle for a more restrictive version to come out of the Senate. This bill has the potential to have a negative effect on the use and value of property along the Lamoille River in Milton. If you own property along the Lamoille River please be aware of this bill and the movement to potentially take away some of your property rights.
In my opinion, the worst of these bills is (S.286) an act relating to challenges for change. This bill is nothing more than a cover up or scam for last years unwillingness to work with the Governor in the budget process. If you recall, last year the majority party with their super majority in hand decided that they didn't have to work with the Governor and for the first time in Vermont history voted to override his budget veto. Thus, enacting an unsustainable legislature prepared budget which used one-time ARRA federal money to cover revenue shortages. Upon receipt of news that future revenue forecasts were even lower than projected, legislative leadership in order to save face, hired a consultant to encourage collaboration amongst the parties in an effort to save money and make state government more efficient. This effort costs the state over $100,000 and is suppose to trim $38 million of the $150 million budget shortfall. I have several problems with this plan but, my primary concern is why are we not working together to address the entire $150 million problem? I was one of only three people to oppose this bill in the final vote and will continue to oppose plans that don't fully address Vermont's financial situation. Thank you.
Hosting friends at the Statehouse is one of the things I enjoy most about serving in the legislature. If you would like to visit the Statehouse please feel free to contact me to arrange a date and time.
As your representative, I look forward to representing you and your concerns in Montpelier. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. I am very interested in hearing from you. During the session, I can be reached at the Statehouse by calling 1-800-322-5616 or by cell at 373-5960. My email address is dturner@leg.state.vt.us. My web-site address is www.donturnerjr.com. Thank you and have a great week.